Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1915 Vol. 60 N. 26

Page 60 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
60
OuTTECHNlCAL DEPAKIMENT
CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM BRAID WHITE.
VIBRATION.
In a letter which George Pierce, a well-known
correspondent of this department from New Bed-
ford, Mass., has recently sent me I find these
words: "'Vibration is a wonderful mystery. I
have made a man sick by just sounding two pedal-
organ pipes at a semitone distance. I have
snuffed a candle at thirty feet by a wave from
middle A sharp on a piano. 'There are more
things in heaven and earth, Horatio
'"
Mr. Pierce is right, but not altogether right.
Vibration is the name we give to express a cer-
tain phenomenon observed in connection with vari-
ous rigid bodies when agitated by causes external
or internal to them. The idea intended to be ex-
pressed may perhaps best be explained by stating
that a motion is called vibrational when it involves
a swaying back and forth, constantly departing
from a middle or rest position, arriving at a posi-
tion remote therefrom, then reversing the motion,
returning to the position of rest, departing there-
from in the opposite direction, arriving at a posi-
tion remote from the median point, but exactly
as much remote as the previous extreme position,
and continuing the reciprocal motion as long as
the operating cause persists. This is only a very
elaborate way of saying that "vibration" is the
name given to motion like that of a pendulum.
Now, piano strings are extremely susceptible to
vibrational excitement, and such excitation pro-
vides the physical basis of music. Musical sounds,
when we turn to analyze them physically, appear
to arise from the vibrational motion of strings,
plates, rods, bells, or columns of air confined in
pipes. Rut we should beware of falling here into
an extremely plausible error. It is not for a mo-
ment to be supposed, in other words, that vibra-
tion itself is considered as some sort of power,
that it does the sounding, or "produces" the sound.
In point of fact, vibration is not a thing; it is
merely the appearance that we perceive showing
that some force is being expended in an apparently
definite way. If we do not keep this distinction
clearly in mind we shall constantly be falling into
the error of supposing that it is the vibration which
does things; whereas, of course, the vibration is
but the appearance to us of something, some real-
ity, in fact, which is operating according to a
modus which we perceive only in part, and most
imperfectly.
"What is it that produces sound?" someone will
now ask. The answer, of course, is that sound is
not "produced." It appears to us. We perceive
it, or, better still, we become conscious of it.
What we call the "sense of hearing" tells us that
sound is perceived. What we call the other senses
are then brought into play, with the result that
we perceive certain other phenomena which we
call strings, pipes', or columns of air, acting in
conditions which we call "vibrational." These con-
ditions we analyze, and so discover for ourselves
that certain mathematical relations appear to exist
between these phenomena. From all of this we
in time set forth a body of observations upon
which we ground rules, which in turn we call the
science of acoustics. But all the time we have
never in the slightest degree explained the real
nature of sound, even as phenomenon, not to men-
tion the nature of the reality which we perceive
as sound.
Consider for a moment. 'We cause a tuning
fork to go into what is called vibrational motion.
PIANO KEYS BLEACHED
REPAIRED OR RECOVERED
Work Done in 6 to 12 Days
and Guaranteed
Send Us Your Keys by Parcels Post
JOS. ZIEGLER A SONS Menroevllle, O.
Applying the fork to a position near the ear we
hear a sound. ' Acoustics tells us that the vibra-
tional motion of the string is transmitted—as mo-
tion only—through the air acting as a medium of
transmission until a similar vibrational motion is
applied to the tympanum or drum of the ear. This
motion in turn is transmitted through the anvil,
the hammer, the stirrup bone, the cochlea, the
labyrinth and other internal elements of the aura!
structures, till, it ends at the acoustic nerve, which
last receives the same motion; and then—
and then
?
Nobody can seriously argue, of course, that the
vibrational motion of infinitesimally small pieces
of nerve tissue—in other words, flesh—can pos-
sibly in itself "produce" sound. Yet further than
the acoustic nerve we cannot go, for that nerve
ends in the so-called gray matter of the brain.
But gray matter cannot do anything of itself, for
it has no intelligence of itself. Take it away
from the body and it does nothing. Take the
body away from it and the body does nothing.
Take what wt> call the mind away from both
brain and body and both remain entirely lifeless.
What, then, produces sound? Sound it not pro-
duced ; that is the answer.
This analysis may be metaphysical, but that
need not scare anybody. It is simple common
sense. It may be depressing to some people, but
that is because some people detest having to
think. But whether you like it or not, your vibra-
tion is left in a pretty bad mess. Its title to con-
sideration as a cause is entirely stripped from it
and it is left in the rather unfortunate position
of a mere effect in the succession of phenomena,
prior to the phenomenon, sound, but only to that
extent rightly to be called its "cause."
Let us consider the matter from another angle.
Consider the sound-board of the piano. That
sound-board is supposed to be and. physically speak-
ing, is, as T have myself argued, the proximate
cause or phenomenon precedent to the sound of
the piano. But how can anybody explain the per-
ception of the wealth of tone which we receive
from the piano on the bare supposition of sound-
board vibration? In fact, of course, we cannot
imagine anything of the kind. The condition into
which the sound-board is thrown when it be-
comes what we call "in vibration" may be prior
to the sound, but certainly you cannot explain
the sound by saying that either sound-board or
strings produce it. In fact, just as soon as you
ask, "How do either or both produce it?" the
answer can only be, "We do not know !" And so,
again, we have the conclusion that sound is not
"produced"; it is merely perceived.
Mr. Pierce's man was conscious of a feeling of
sickness after having listened to the clashing
sounds of two low organ pipes, a semitone apart
in pitch. What made him feel sick? Did the
vibrational condition of the air columns in the
pipes cause it? And if they did. how did they
accomplish this feat? And, anyhow, what was it
about him that was sick, his stomach? But how
can the stomach know whether it is sick or not?
Putting it physically, how can the motion of two
air columns in two pipes make the stomach think
that it is sick, when it cannot think, anyhow,
while the same kind of vibration in two other
pipes may have precisely the opposite effect, not
only on the stomach but all over the man?
FAUST SCHOOL OF TUNING
Piano, Player-Piano, Pipe and Reed Organ Tuning and Re-
pairing, alio Ref ulatinf, Voicing, Varnishing andPollihing
This formerly was the tuning department of the New Eng-
land Conservatory of Music, and OliTer C. Faust was head
of that department for 20 years previous to its discontinu-
ance.
Courses in mathematical piano scale construction snd
drafting of same have been added.
Pupils have daily practise in Checkering k Sens' factory.
Year Book sent free upon reqwest
27-29 GAINSBOROUGH ST., BOSTON, MAIS.
What is the answer? Why, that is simple. Vi-
bration ' is not a thing by itself, and has neither
intelligence nor power. Neither has the man's
stomach. You see the conclusion, don't you?
'Why have I taken all this time to say all this?
Simply because a little rigid analysis of our con-
ceptions and ideas is often good dicipline? The
mind tends to grow flabby from want of exercise.
Here is a little gymnastic exercise which is not
only beneficial, but valuable in that it leads to a
new and unlooked for, but perfectly correct, con-
clusion ; that causation cannot be explained on a
physical basis.
Thomas B. Wikoff, of Indianapolis, Ind., wants
to know where lie can get information in book
form on refmishing of piano cases. Spillane's "The
Piano" or Tuner's Guide, published from the of-
fice of The Review by Edward Lyman Bill, con-
tains much useful information of this character.
Various supply houses who specialize in tuners'
supplies put up handy repair kits for those who
want to do case refinishing. Such are: Tuners'
Supply Co., Boston; American Piano Supply Co.,
New York and Chicago; Lyon & Hcaly, piano
tool department, Chicago; Piano Parts Manufac-
turing Co., 160 North Fifth avenue, Chicago.
The Chicago public library contains one or more
works on wood finishing, and so probably does the
library at Indianapolis. No doubt the editor of
The Furniture Worker, 128 Opera place, Cincin-
nati, can inform Mr. Wikoff of any recent books
on this general subject.
Communications for this department should be
addressed to the Editor, Technical Department,
The Music Trade Review.
SOUSA PRA1SESJHE EVERETT.
Famous Bandmaster, During His Visit to San
Francisco, Says It Has Been His Favorite
Piano for Many Years.
(Special to The Review.)
SAN FRANCISCO., CM.., June HI—John Philip
Sousa, the famous bandmaster, during his visit to
the Panama-Pacific Exposition, paid a great tribute
to the Everett piano. Immediately on his arrival in
the city he wrote Walter & Nichols, the local agents
for the Everett Piano Co., to send him an Everett.
A few days later they received the following letter:
"The Everett has been my favorite piano for
many years, and T have no question it will remain
so for all time. The one in my room here at the
St. Francis is up to th- standard of the makers of^
that famous instrument. Thanking you for select-
ing such a splendid piano for me, believe me. very
sincerely, John Philip Sousa."
Walter & Nichols have been using this letter,
accompanied by a photograph of the famous leader,
in their advertising to excellent purpose the past
week, and enlarged photographs of the original let-
ter are used in display windows in connection with
a very artistic display of Everett pianos.
Tuners and Repairmen
Can make good money installing Jenkin-
aon'a Player-Action into used Pianos. Write
for catalogue.
JENKINSON PLAYER CO.,
912 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Polk's Piano Trade School
14th YEAR
Piano, Player-Piano and Organ Tuamf,
Repairing and Regulating.
sirea.
aiuacnis usisieu.
uiuiuiuu ansiucu.
^r^_«w S
entire year. Endorsed by leading piano manufacturer*
and dealers. Free catalogue.
C. C. POLK
Box 20t Valparaiso, IW.

Page 61 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
OUR FOREIGN CUSTOMERS.
Pianos and Other Musical Instruments Shipped
Abroad from the Port of New York for the
Week Just Ended—An Interesting Array of
Musical Specialties for Abroad.
(Special to The Review.)
WASHINGTON, D. C, June 21.—The following
were the exports of musical instruments and kin-
dred lines from the port of New York for the
week just ended, the latest period for which they
have been compiled:
Algoa Bay—8 cases organs and material, $283.
Bahia Blanca—4 cases pianos and material, $105.
Bombay—5 cases organs and material, $4- r >0.
Bordeaux—3 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $197.
Calcutta—3 pkgs. phonographic goods and mate-
rial, $225.
Copenhagen—2 pkgs. music goods and material,
$166.
Coronel—24 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $1,037.
Gothenberg—1 pkg. music goods and material.
$182.
Hamilton—6 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $202.
Havana—1 case player-pianos and material, $300 ;
5 pkgs. phonographic goods and material, $27fi; 21
pkgs. phonographic goods and material, $1,363; 86
pkgs. phonographic goods and material, $4,066.
La Guaira—3 cases player-pianos and material,
$560; ID pkgs. phonographic goods and material,
$760.
La Paz—11 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $335.
Liverpool—1 pkg. music, $140; 2 pkgs. phono-
graphic goods and material, $152.
London—100 cases pianos and material, $19,617;
10 cases organs and material, $394.
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Manzanilla—4 cases player-pianos and material,
$307.
Santiago—25 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $1,528.
. Santo Domingo—8 pkgs. phonographic goods
and material, $344; 4 pkgs. music, $136.
Savanilla—3 cases pianos and material, $777; 4
cases player-pianos and material, $286.
St. Johns—4 pkgs. phonographic goods and ma-
terial, $106.
C. LUTHER LOWE'S GOOD WORK.
Band Organized by Well Known Piano Dealer
of Du Bois, Pa., Scores a Great Success—
Composed of Young Men—Well Known
Pianos and Players Handled by Lowe & Son.
61
the members running from fifteen to twenty years,
and there are about fifty members at the present
time. The cost of the instruments exceeds $3,000, •
and the members have been trained to a high de-j
gree of excellence; in fact, their playing is a'
source of delight to those capable of judging. The
band is in constant demand for parades and con-
certs. During the week of June 17 to 22 it played
at the convention of -Red Men at Du Bois, Pa.,
and it has already played at the Chautauqua con-
ventions. In the picture herewith, it will be ob-
served that Air. Lowe is the elder gentleman sec-
ond in the back row a little left to the center.
The firm of C. Luther Lowe & Son is well-
known throughout eastern Pennsylvania. They
handle the Lauter piano of which they are great
admirers, as well as the Bush & Lane, Packard,
Ackerman & Lowe and other instruments. Homer
Lowe, the son of the founder is a valuable as-
sistant to his father. He lias grown up with the
C. Luther Lowe, of C. Luther Lowe & Son, the
enterprising piano dealers of Du Bois, Pa., is not
only a capable business
man, but a thorough
musician and organ-
izer. He has done won-
derful things with the
band which he organ-
ized in 1!MO, resulting
from his interest in
young men, believing
that such an organiza-
tion would develop a
musical training and
exercise a moral influ-
ence as well as other'
attributes for manli-
ness. Mr. Lowe says it
has kept the boys to-
gether, and they grow
Lowe's Boys' Brigade Band, Du Bois, Pa.
up to be. men with the right kind of environment. business, and is very active in the buying and sell-
ing of the products which they handle.
This is essentially a church band, the ages of
THE REVIEW'S UNIVERSAL "WANT" DIRECTORY
Any member of the music trade may forward
to this office a "situation" adrertisement in-
tended for this Department to occupy a space of
four lines, agate measure, and it will be inserted
free.
The replies will also be forwarded without
cost.
Additional space will be at the rate of 25c.
per line.
If bold faced type is desired, the cost for
same will be 25c. per line.
Business opportunities 25c. per lime.
All adTertisements intended for this Depart-
ment must be in hand on the Saturday pro-
ceeding insertion of the same.
WANTED—A partner with $10,000 to
$15,000 to take over the interest of one of the
members of the company, recently deceased.
Business has been established for 12 years, and
total sales in piano, talking machine and small
goods departments average $100,000 a year.
For further particulars address "Box 1093,"
care The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave.,
New York City.
FOR^SALE—On account of ill health I will
sell my Music business. Stock consists of mu-
sical merchandise, pianos, organs, sheet music,
music books, taking machines, records.
This
business always has and is now paying good
profits. Address "Box 1,115," care The Music
Trade Review, 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
City.
PIANIST WANTED-^For music store in White Plains,
N. V.
Permanent position to ambitious, willing worker.
Salary $10 weekly to begin.
Address "Capable," care
The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
LIVE TALKING MACHINE MAN WANTED To take
charge of the talking machine department of the leading
piano store in a city 35 miles from New York. An ener-
getic, capable man of ideas desired who will develop a
business of $17,000 a year into a larger income producer
for himself and his house. Can invest capital in the busi-
ness if necessary. Rare opportunity for the man who earn-
estly desires to win out. Address "Success," care The Music
Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
POSITION WANTED—Young man wishes to change fo~r
a better position with advancement in or out of town, Has
had five (5) years' experience in the handling of music rolls,
wholesale and retail. Address "Box 1112," care The Music
Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
W A N T E D SALESMAN FOR SUPPLY
TRADE—We want a good, honest, hardworking
salesman. Good opening for a man who can show
results.
Answer, stating full experience.
"A. F.," Box 1, Essex St. Station, Boston, Mass.
POSITION WANTED—Have had fifteen years' experi-
ence in sheet music, pianos and all instruments.
Would
like to affiliate with some reliable music house in or out of
town; am married, sober and steady. Address "Box 1,1 Hi."
care The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York
City.
DEPENDABLE outside salesman wants position in New
York City. Address "Box 1117," care The Music Trade Re-
view, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
WANTED—Three (3) first class salesmen -salary and
commission; also tuner and repair man—salary.
Address
Schmoller & Mueller Piano Co., 408 4th St., Sioux City, la.
MECHANICAL DRAUGHTSMAN—Experienced young
man, 27 years of age, also a practical piano man with some
selling ability desires a position that promises a future. Ad-
dress Jos. C. Augliera, 5711 17th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
AUTOMATIC SALES MANAGER OPEN—Result getter
with long experience as sales manager in automatic musical
instruments will entertain proposition from good house.
Knows electric pianos, orchestrions and motion picture
players in all their phases. Address "Automatic," care The
Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
PIANO S U P E R I N T E N D E N T OPEN—High grade super-
intendent, scale draughter, case designer, is open. Chicago
or West preferred.
Had charge of big plants.
Ilnim-
neachable record.
Address "T. A.. IS," care The Music
Trade Review, 220 So. State St.. Chicago, III.
ATTENTION MANUFACTURERS!—RoadmarTcovering
South and Southwestern territory wants line of cheap pianos
ranging in price from $75.00 up. Also line of stools and
scarfs on commission. Have live prospects who want to con-
tract for 100 pianos, 3 cars to be delivered at once, others as
ordered. This is a cash deal and prices must be lock bot-
tom.
Address "Cash Deal," care The Music Trade Review,
373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
P. S.- -Send catalogs,
nrices and full proposition in first letter. No time can be
lost, if you can handle this deal.
WANTED—A first class piano salesman who can sell
good instruments on their merits. No four-flusher or hot-
air artist need apply. One used to working in the country.
Christine Bros., Bangor, Pa.
WANTED—Position for combination salesman, player and
electric man and tuner; positively first class and a gentle-
man; have had 18 years' experience; state full particulars.
Address "Piano Man," 27 Monroe St.. San Francisco, Cal.
MANAGER WANTED—A man who is a piano and pi-
anola salesman and closer of the first rank and who has
had considerable experience as a manager; only a real high-
class man desired, and for the right man money will be no
object, besides the opportunity for interest in the business.
Give references, state age. Write fully to Oldest Piano
House in El Paso, "El Pasp Piano Company," El Paso, Tex.
GOOD CLOSER, large experience, possessing initiative
and force, desires position as salesman: retail, wholesale or
special sales work. Address "Box 1113," care The Music
Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
PIANO TUNER AND R E P A I R M A N T T I S O understand^
players, wants position with a New York house.
Week
work or extra work. Address "Box 1110," care The Music
Trade Review, 378 Fourth Ave., New York City.
POSITION WANTED—Young man wishes to change
for a better position with advancement. Has had five (5)
years' experience in the handling of music rolls, wholesale
and retail. Address "Box 1112," care The Music Trade
Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
POSITION WANTED—Young man knowing Eastern
dealers wants position selling pianos or selling dealer-sup-
ply merchandise. Experienced. Can prove worth.
Ad-
dress "Box 1108," care The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth
Ave,, New York City.
RETAIL PIANO MAN—One who sells pianos. Floor
job only. Prefers New York City, but will go out short
distance. Demands a good proposition and can make money
for you. Address "Box 1109, care The Music Trade Re-
view, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
WANTED—A high-class, experienced piano salesman.
Write, giving experience, etc., "Box 1103," care The Music
Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
FOR SALE—On account of continued illness and by ad-
vice of my physicians to have a change of climate, I will
sell my music business, established fifteen years (15).
Stock consists of musical merchandise, pianos, organs, sheet
music, music books, talking machines, records, magazines,
newspapers and stationery.
Will invoice about $5,000.
Newspapers and magazines will pay rent and light of store.
A chance of a lifetime for a good live man. Will sacrifice
for a quick sale. Only music store in town of 9,000 in
northern Michigan. Business outlook very good. Address
"Box 1111," care The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth
Ave., New York City.
PIANO AND PLAYER-PIANO salesman, with 25 years'
experience, will be open for new engagement after June 2.
Strictly temperate, with the best of references from present
employer. Copy of same will be forwarded on request from
reliable house. Address "Honest and Reliable Hustler,"
care The Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York
City.
YOUNG MAN P I A N I S T desires to clerk in a music
department store, either Chicago, 111., or Kansas City. Am
strictly sober. Would be willing to fill orders for piano
music. Salary $15 per week, if suited. Can play for pic-
ture show every evening. Would like to hear from some
reliable music dealer wanting my services. Address Eugene
Iluegel. pianist, care General Delivery. Jefferson City. Mo.
POSITION WANTED—Player-piano repairman wishes
position, inside or outside. Address "Box 1104," care The
Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
FIRST-CLASS W H O L E S A L E AND R E T A I L SALES-
MAN, well acquainted with wholesale trade in New Eng-
land, New York State, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, but
would take a position in retail business in Connecticut,
Massachusetts or New York State. Can furnish first-class
references on request.
Address "Box llOfi," care The
Music Trade Review, 373 Fourth Ave., New York City.
POSITION WANTED—Salesman, with good record,
wishes road position or as manager of retail store. Ad-
dress "Box 1107," care The Music Trade Review, 373
Fourth Ave., New York City.
PIANO SALESMAN W I S H E S POSITION with reliable
dealer; good closer and price getter. Address "Box 1101,"
care The Music Trade Review, 873 Fourth Ave., New York
City.
MR. PIANO MANUFACTURER—"Try this on your
piano." "Before getting a Receiver get an Efficient Super-
intendent." If you like the title of this song you can get
all the words by addressing "Box 1102," care The Music
Trade Review, 378 Fourth Ave., New York City.

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